Fifth Annual Toy Makers Competition

The Westport Arts Center knows that there are no better experts when it comes to toys and games than kids! Our fifth annual Toy Makers Competition invites young designers ages 5-12 to submit their ideas for new and innovative toys.

The competitionis a great opportunity to encourage the young artist or designer in your family to showcase their creativity and vision.

Each child may submit up to three design concepts that reflect their creativity and imagination. Both traditional and electronic games are acceptable, but designers should be able to explain how an electronic game could be developed.

The judges for the competition will be members of the community with proven success in business, art and design. They are looking for toy designs that are a) unique, original and imaginative, b) easy to use and understand, and c) can be recreated and produced in a real life scenario.

“The Toy Makers Competition is always a highlight in our youth education season,” said Lindsay Heffernan, Director of Education for the Westport Arts Center. “Not only do participating kids show their creativity, but also their ingenuity and problem solving skills as they consider just what they love about toys and what makes one fun.”

Finalists in the competition will present in a “Shark Tank”-like environment to the panel of judges at the Westport Arts Center’s Family Art Day event on March 20th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Each toy designer will describe their inspiration, how their toy works, and why they believe it will be a successful toy. Children will present independently while parents and friends wait outside the interview room.

Winners will be selected and announced at Family Art Day, with prizes awarded in three age groups: Ages 5 – 6, Ages 7- 9, and Ages 10 -12. First place in each age group will win a scholarship to a Westport Arts Center summer camp of their choice. Second and third place winners will also receive special prizes to be announced in March.

Complete eligibility and guidelines include:

Children ages 5 – 12 are eligible to submit up to 3 designs.

Submissions will be received beginning Jan 25, 2016.

Submissions must be created on 8.5 x 11” paper.

Three-dimensional creations must be photographed and printed on 8.5 x 11” paper.

Descriptions can be attached to the back of designs.

All participants must have parental consent.

Toys do not need to be recreated for the presentation, but finalists may make a prototype if they wish.

Finalists must be present at Family Art Day to win.

An entry fee of $10 is required per child. Entry form, payment and submissions are due by 5 p.m. on March 5, 2016. Finalists will be notified March 15, 2016. Winning entries will be shared on www.westportartscenter.org and other Westport Arts Center promotional materials.

The Westport Arts Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting community through the arts, reaches more than 11,000 people annually through outstanding programs in visual arts, arts education, and the performance arts of Chamber music and jazz.